Ask the Coaches: Arthroscopy Knee Surgery

Thursday, January 1, 2004, 12:00 am

Q: I am 58 years old and have been competing since 1960. I just had an arthroscopy knee operation for torn cartilage. The doctor removed about 50% of the cartilage and some arthritis. He told me he does not want me to run anymore or to do weight bearing exercises or I risk needing a knee replacement in the future. Is this true or is he being very cautious. I really would like to continue running even if it is at a reduced level. I would appreciate an opinion on this matter.

A: Arthritis is the wearing away of the articular cartilage (like the pearly white material at the end of a chicken bone); the meniscus is a cushion on either side of the knee. When you read about an athlete who had “cartilage removed” the meniscus is the structure that is being referred to. The meniscus may tear due to a twisting injury to the knee. Over the course of time, the meniscus becomes more brittle and tears more easily.

The million-dollar question is whether impact activities such as running will accelerate the deterioration of the joint, causing arthritis to progress at a more rapid rate. This may be the case, but how do we know that you won’t wind up needing a knee replacement if you cut out these activities? I have taken care of a large number of runners with varying degrees of arthritis in their knees who are still running. Keeping your muscles strong and your joints moving are key factors in dealing with arthritis.

If you decide to continue running, consider adding some cross-training every other day. To decrease impact, try running on softer surfaces, such as trails. Make sure that your shoes are cushioned. Consider taking glucosamine (1500mg per day).